In the midst of a national firestorm of attacks on immigrants and sanctuary cities, Alirio Gámez took the prophetic and courageous step of entering into Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin. Tuesday September 5, the same day the Trump administration announced the termination of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Alirio made a public statement for the dignity and rights of immigrants. "I entered Sanctuary because I have a right to live, and I want my life to be respected," he said.

Alirio fled El Salvador due to the increasing violence targeting him and his family. "It was not my dream to leave the country,” he said. “I had a good life and sufficient work. But I experienced the violence my country is suffering from, and had to flee for my life." He entered the U.S. seeking asylum, was detained by ICE and sent to three detention centers from south Texas to New Jersey. He followed the legal system to apply for asylum, but it failed him. Now he faces immediate deportation.

As people of faith and moral conscience, the Austin Sanctuary Network stands in solidarity with Alirio and our immigrant neighbors who face the fatal consequences of deportation. Our values of human life, dignity, and justice unite us to decry our broken immigration system and defend Alirio's life.

Join us in calling on ICE officials Norma Lacy and Daniel Bible to close the deportation case of Alirio Gámez and offer prosecutorial discretion so he can stay here in our community.

When you sign using the form on the left, your signature will automatically be added on this email to ICE officials:

Dear Daniel Bible and Norma Lacy,

I write to ask that you grant Prosecutorial Discretion to immigrant leader Cesar Alirio Gámez Palacio (#208270481). Alirio took sanctuary knowing that going back to his home country would mean death. The Austin community stands in solidarity with Alirio and the steps he is taking to ensure that his life is respected. As part of that community, I urge you to grant discretion on his case immediately. Until then, the Austin Sanctuary Network will continue to provide sanctuary for Alirio and stand with him in solidarity.